Make it a Mazda

Mazda 6'Scotsman Motors 2012

The sleek third-generation Mazda6 builds on the success of its predecessor with sharper styling, better quality and some very economical engines. Factor in a lot of kit and accessible pricing and it looks certain to be a winner.

The new Mazda6 looks like a family car, albeit an extremely attractive one, with the front end boasting a bolder interpretation of Mazda’s latest family face, sweeping front wheel arches and a rear-set cabin with the windscreen pillars moved back 100mm compared to the outgoing car.

It all makes it look much more muscular and athletic.

The headlights incorporate LEDs and a halo ring light, which draws the eye onto that flamboyant wheel arch feature.

The line-up of Mazda’s impressively refined and economical SKYACTIV powerplants includes two petrol engines making their debut in the Mazda6 and two diesels.

Most are available with i-ELOOP, Mazda’s brake energy regeneration system, as well as i-stop, an advanced idle-stop system.

The petrol engines comprise 143 and 163PS versions of the 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder direct injection unit, with the 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel engine available in either 148 or 173PS versions.

All versions are front-wheel drive, feature 62-litre fuel tanks, and are mated to six-speed manual gearboxes as standard with a six-speed auto as an option.

The chassis that underpins the Mazda6 is a development of that which first debuted on the award-winning CX-5 SUV.

It’s been lengthened for this application and optimised for the lower and lighter car. Keeping weight out of key components has been one of the major design priorities and the Mk3 Mazda6 gets lighter yet stiffer suspension.

The electric power assisted steering is quicker than many of the rather flabby-feeling installations on most family cars.

In short, the Japanese engineers have done their best to bring the alertness of the first Mazda6 back to this bigger third-generation car which makes for a pleasing driving experience.

Mazda is on a roll right now and the form line doesn’t look set to dip with this new model. So why not visit Western Mazda’s showroom at 1 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6DD and see and experience the svelte all-new Mazda6 for yourself? You can also call the sales team on 0843 357 2657 to arrange your test drive (subject to terms and conditions) in advance.